BALTIMORE – When the Angels had Ji-Man Choi up earlier this season, they felt he lacked opportunity, not ability.

This time, he’s going to have plenty of opportunity.

C.J. Cron’s broken hand has left a void in the middle of the Angels lineup, with ample playing time up for grabs for anyone who can produce.

Choi, who was in the lineup at first base on Saturday, and Jefry Marte are both going to get a shot. Both can also play left field, which has been a soft spot in the Angels lineup because of Daniel Nava’s injuries and struggles.

Choi, who hit .056 in sporadic at-bats when he was up in April, said he feels he’s better prepared to take advantage of his opportunity this time. He played every day at Triple-A, hitting .327 with a .411 on-base percentage.

Marte, on the other hand, has slumped since a hot streak earlier in the season that was so good the Angels moved him to left just to keep his bat in the lineup. He hit .333 over his first 20 games, but then .118 over his next 17.

Manager Mike Scioscia said pitchers have made some adjustments in how they pitch Marte, and Marte needs to counter.

“He wasn’t missing some of his pitches early,” Scioscia said. “He was really hot. As a young player the more you’re out there, you have to experience some things and make adjustments and that’s the process he’s going through now. He’s got thunder in his bat. Hopefully he’ll get back to where he was.”

BANDY’S TURN

When the Angels opted to send down Carlos Perez, it was a vote of confidence for Jett Bandy.

“Jett brings a presence back there,” Scioscia said. “He receives well and blocks and throws very well. As a young catcher he does the things you want to see a young catcher do as far as helping a pitcher execute his pitches. A lot of things a catcher will develop, such as game plan and adjustments during a game, experience will be the only teacher.”

Bandy, who had barely played in the majors before this season, will continue to get lots of action, even with Geovany Soto back. Soto is 33 and has a history of injuries, so the Angels won’t play him too much. Expect the two to split time roughly equally.

ALSO

Cliff Pennington had an MRI that confirmed healing of his injured hamstring. Pennington has been fully participating in baseball drills, but hasn’t yet started playing in games…

The Angels moved Cory Rasmus to the 60-day disabled list to make room on the 40-man roster for Choi…

Choi was originally a Rule 5 pick when the Angels got him. Since he’s now cleared waivers, he is like any other player who is out of options…

The Angels have not announced their rotation for after the All-Star break yet.

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